Vibratory compactor



April 6, 1965 H. J. SEAMAN VIBRATORY COMPACTOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledOct. 27. 1960 I Y JF-cr/er-cZTc'sv' %,rry

April 6, 1965 H. J. SEAMAN 3,176,597

VI BRATORY COMPACTOR Filed Oct. 27, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 6, 1965H. J. SEAMAN VIBRATORY COMPACTOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 27, 1960April 6, 1965 H. J. SEAMAN 3,176,597

VIBRATORY COMPACTOR Filed Oct. 27, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 United StatesPatent Ofi ice 3,176,597 Patented Apr. 6, 1955 3,176,597 VBRATORYCOMPAC'I'OR Harry J. Seaman, P.0. Box 3025, Milwaukee, Wis. Filed Oct.27, 1960, Ser. No. 65,488 5 Claims. (Ci. 94-50) This invention relatesto a vibratory compactor or earth tamping mechanism. One aspect of theinvention relates to a vibratory compactor for compacting earth andsimilar materials with a means that supports part of the tractor orprime mover with which it is associated. In another specific aspect theinvention relates to a vibratory compactor that steers the prime moverwith the same member that is used for compacting the earth.

The term earth as used herein includes various soils, sand, gravel,asphalt, asphalt cement and other compactible materials. It is known totamp or compact earth by cyclically applying blows to a limited area.Manually positioned tools have been used for compacting in someinstances. Other tools that have been provided have been attached to atractor or other prime mover, ordinarily trailed by the prime mover orsuspended therefrom. Frequently the suspended type of vibratorycompactor is a special purpose machine and the prime mover for passingit over the earth is not available for other purposes than compacting.

Where large areas are to be compacted, manually positioned tools areineflicient and expensive. The manual tools are ordinarily considered asmost effective in repairing or patching the wearing surface of roads, orin tamping in very close quarters such as immediately adjacentfoundations, columns, and other structural members.

Where a vibratory compactor is trailed behind a tractor, a fairly largeturning radius is required. This makes it difiicult to maneuver theprime mover with its associated compactor in close quarters, forexample, inside buildings, in underground structures, and similar areas.Additionally, the trailed compactor requires that theoperator turnaround from his normal position in order to be sure that the compactoris positioned at the place requiring compaction. The difficulty ofaccurate positioning is thus increased, as well as a safety hazardarising because the operator cannot look where the prime mover is going.

In one suspended type of vibratory compactor, the compactor is suspendedbetween the front and the rear wheels of a prime mover or is mounted ona framework supported in an overhanging position at one end or theother. On occasion, due to differences in elevation between the frontand rear wheels, the compactor is elevated sufiiciently so that its fuelpower is not applied to the earth. In such cases some means should beprovided to adjust the length of the stroke in order to achieveeffective compaction. In other instances, where the compactor overhangsthe end of the machine, an extra-long machine is thereby created andrequires a large turning radius with attendant problems in maneuveringwithin confined quarters. Additionally, the front wheels oftentimesprecede the compactor over the area to be compacted and thereby produceuneven tamping, especially in highly compactible materials.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vibratorycompactor that forms a highly maneuverable combination when inassociation with a prime mover. An object is to provide a vibratorycompactor of simple construction. A further object is the provision of avibratory compactor that is removably connected to the prime mover.Another object is to provide a vibratory compactor that is mounted atthe front end of the prime mover where the operator can view operationsfrom his normal position. tory compactor where the vibrated member ortamping member also serves as a steering member for the prime moverassociated with the vibratory compactor.

By way of example, in the preferred embodiment an ordinary four-wheeledtractor is employed as a prime mover. The front wheels of the tractorare removed and the vibratory compactor, according to the invention, isconnected to the prime mover. An appropriate means is provided so thatthe cylinder for tamping and steering is positioned by the steeringwheel of the tractor. Preferably, a hydraulic system to control thesteering and the tamping is provided. The hydraulic pump is driven fromthe power take-01f shaft that commonly extends out through the rear endof most commercially available tractors today.

The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a tamping membercomprising a roller or cylinder that is resiliently mounted at the frontend of a tractor for rolling contact with the earth. The weight of thetractor is partly supported by the roller. Appropriate vibratingmechanism, such as two unbalanced, rotatably mounted masses which rotatesynchronously in opposite directions, is provided for compacting theearth beneath the roller or cylinder by cyclically moving the cylinderon its. resilient mounts. The organization is such that the cylinder canbe vibrated even though it is apparently supporting a part of the Weightof the tractor. I

The cylindrical member is so associated with the tractor that it servesas a steering member as well as an earthcontacting member for thecompaction. Mounting at the front of the prime moverallows the operatorto see where he is going and eliminates the need for his turning aroundin order to position the Compactor; and provides greater ease andprecision in spotting and more even compaction by advancement of thecylinder over the area to be treated prior to contacting with what wouldordinarily be wheels of the prime mover. The cylindrical member and itsassociated apparatus is removably mounted on the prime mover, therebyeliminating the requirement for a special purpose machine to compact theearth by vibratory means. Thus, when compaction is completed, the primemover may be used for other work, eg. towing other equipment.Additionally, means are provided to selectively operate the vibratingmeans.

By combining the tamping and steering into a single apparatus that isclosely associated with the prime mover, a highly maneuverablecombination is achieved. This is particularly advantageous when workingin close quarters such as enclosed areas in underground installations,inside large buildings, and in other places where turning on a shortradius is a distinct advantage. Additionally, by mounting the compactorto support some of the weight of the prime mover, any necessity forproviding adjusting means to compensate for changes in level between therear and front wheel is eliminated. Similarly, any prob.- lems of strokeadjustments are eliminated.- Moreover, by employing a particular kind ofvibration-inducing means, forces longitudinal of the prime mover andcompactor are eliminated and thereby the steering and handling isfacilitated. The invention is further described by the followingdescription when read in conjunction with the drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective View of a front end attachment for a primemover in combination with the prime mover which is illustrated to be atractor of the class that is steered by front wheels, but with the frontwheels removed.

FIGURE 2 is a partial plan view showing some elements of the attachmentwhich is combined with the tractor in FIGURE 1. a

It is also an object to provide a vibra- FIGURE 3 is a side view of theelements as seen in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is another side view illustrating the body frame attachingmeans whereby the front end vibratory compacting combination of theinvention is attached to the structural body members of a tractor.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective schematic view of the .vi-

brating means showing the essential components for cy- FIGURE 8.is aschematic drawing of a steering system,-

including the linkage between the steering column and thehydrauliccontrol valve,- as well as the interconnection of the various flexiblehydraulic lines with the other elements.

FIGURE 9 is one embodiment of a hydraulic system for selectively.controlling'the motor that drives the vibrating means, and

FIGURE is another embodiment of a system for selectively controlling-themotor for operating the means for vibrating.

Referring now to FIGURES 1 through 4, the general organization of theinvention .comprises the combination 1 of a prime mover 3 and a frontend vibratory compactor assembly 5. The construction of these elementswill be discussed below in further detail but for the present'it shouldbe noted that the prime mover comprises a tractor. characterized byhaving a rearwardly-extending drive shaft 6 (FIGURE 4) which can be usedfor the driving of accessories connected to or towed by'the tractor, apair of rear Wheels 8 mounted on axles 9 which in 'turn'drivingly engagethe ground and receive their power from the tractor engineyand normallyincludes a front wheel'or wheels for the purpose of supporting part ofthe weight and for steering the tractor plus any attached implements bythe manipulation of the steering wheel 10. Intheembodiment'shown, thefront Wheels have-been'rernoved and replaced by the front end vibratorycompactor assembly 5. .The outstanding features of the assembly are thatit includes a cylinder or roller 62 that rollably engages the ground andwhich is positionable with relation to the tractor by the steeringhydraulic cylinder 85,- whereby the tractor is steered. Appropriatemeans are provided for connecting the cylinder to the steering wheel. Inaddition, means 63 are provided for. vibrating the cylinder either as itadvances over the ground ahead of thedriving wheels :8, or as the entiremachine stands still.

In referring to the cylinder or roller 62, it is intended to include insuch terms other shapes than a pure cylinder, for example rollers ofelliptical cross section, or with corrugated peripheries, or withinterrupted peripheries such as sheepsfoot-typeirollers, and the like,all to the end that a steerable weight-supporting, ground-engagingmember capable of being vibrated is provided.

Normally, prime movers such as tractor 3 include means for. attachingimplements to tow them behindthe URES- 1- and2. The support struts areformed from r tractor, such as a rearwardly-extending hook, a bracketwith a pintle to match, and the like.. With the presentinvention,however, attachment to the front-end is preferred and isaccomplished by. attachment frame means 12 for enabling thefront-endconnection and support of the vibratory compactor assembly tothe prime mover or tractor 3.

As best presented in FIGURES 1 through 4, the frame means 12 includes apair of parallel stringers 14 extending longitudinally of the tractorframe and having at least one cross bar 16 extending laterally of thetractor between the stringers and secured at each end to the stringers.Preferably, the stringers and the cross bar and I-beams are weldedtogether in the positions shown.- Bolting and" riveting can also be.employed, bolting being advantageous in those situations wheredisassembly may be required for ease of shipping to construction sites.A plurality of frame bolts 18, 19 extend through holes in the I-beamflange and threadedly engage corresponding tapped holes in structuralportions of the tractor body. For ex-mnple, bolt 18 extends into theaxle housing 24). Shims such as 22 are positioned between the stringersand'lthe body proper, when necessary, in -order-to maintain the body ina normal, horizontal position. At times, of course, the shims can beeliminated where appropriate alignment of the frame means 12 and thetractor body can be accomplished Without them. In other circumstances,the

shims must be provided at all pointsof contact'betweenthe frame meansand the tnactor body or tractor body" The box frame includes outer sideplates 24 extending rearwardly from the front of the box frame and for adistance along the I-beamsp Front and rear plates'26,

23 respectively extend laterally of the frame between the front side ofthe side plates andan intermediate portion of the side plates determinedby'the front end of the stringers 14. Of course,'the front and rearplates extend laterally completely between the two stringers 14. Thispresents a sort of rectangular structure as seen in FIGURE 2, .forexample; Top and bottom plates 30, 32 complete the box frame structure.

A cylinder anchor frame assembly 35 provides a sup-- port base-for thetamping cylinder 62'so that the latter can be vibrated, i.e. cyclicallymoved in a harmonic fashion in a substantially. vertical direction andso that it can be turned in order to steer the combination of thetractor and the compactor assembly. The anchor frame assembly comprisesa torque tube 36 which is conveniently formed of pipe or tubing. Aspring support strut 38, 39 "(FIGURE 2) is supported on each end of thetorque tube (support bar), being aflixed thereto by welding and furthersecured by the gusset plates 37 which are advantageously formed'fromtriangular pieces of metal and welded in place as most conveniently seenin FIG- I-beam sections. There is one support strut on each end of thetube 36, each of which is constructed alike, hence only one (38) will bedescribed, it being understood the other is constructed in similarfashion.

To the top and bottom of each strut is secured, as by Welding, a fixedspring plate 41, 42, respectively. Top and bottom cantilever leaf springassemblies 44, 45, are secured respectively to the top and bottom plates41, 42

by thetop and bottom removable cap plates 47, 48, respectively. The capplates are removably mounted by a plurality of nuts and bolts 49.whereby the spring aslengths which are bound together by closed bands orlinks 53 (FIGURE 3). The foremost end of the longest leaf 52 .is shapedby being bent in a generally circular form to provide an attaching means54 to a wrist pin 55. A short wrist pin leaf 56 isbent in a generallysimilar fashion and secured to the foremost end of the leaf 52 witharr-additional closed ring 53.

In this fashion, the springs are pivotally secured to the cylindersupport means 60 which is connected between each of said top and bottomleaf springs, extends laterally between the right and left-hand ones ofsprings 44 and 45 to rotatably support the tamping roller 62 from theleaf spring in a ground-contacting position. The cylinder support means,in addition to providing rotatable supports for the cylinder or roller62, also provides a means for supporting the vibrating means 63. Adescription of the means for vibrating is set forth below with relationto FIGURES 6, 7 and 8. However, by the manner of construction shown, theforces from the vibrating means 63 are transmitted directly to thecylinder, thereby to lift the roller 62, the roller support means 60,and the vibrating means itself, along with any additional equipment,into and out of ground-contacting position.

The cylinder support means includes, on each side, a pillow blockbracket 64 depending from each side plate 65 of the fender assembly 66.The pillow block brackets each carries a bearing 67, preferably a rollerbearing mounted on conical races. In addition to side plates 65, thefender assembly includes a hollow elongated partially-cylindrical fendercap 69 which is welded to provide a side plate and pillow block bracketon each end. If desired, flanges 70 can be provided around the edge ofthe fender assembly.

Wrist pin brackets 72 are mounted on top of the fender cap andunderneath the pillow block. The brackets 72 each comprise a pair oflugs spaced apart to receive a corresponding one of the leaf springs 44,45 therebetweeu. The wrist pin 55 is driven through a hole in one lug,the rounded aperture in the foremost end of the long leaf 52 of thespring, and the other lug. The wrist pin is secured as by cotter pins orthe like at each end.

The anchor frame assembly 35 and the attachment frame 12 are connectedtogether by a hinge-like joint 75 (FIGURES l, 2 and 3). The joint hasupper and lower sections, the lower section parts being denoted by thepostscript b and being constructed in the same fashion as the upperjoint. With the joint 75, steering can be accomplished by turning thecylinder 62 and its associated equipment, including the anchor frameassembly, about the turning pins 76, 76b. The turning pins are alignedon a vertical axis and are driven through aligned holes in horizontallyextending hinge plates 77, 78, 79 and 77b- 79b. The hinge plates 78, 78bare welded atop a vertical box frame assembly 80 which is in turn weldedso that it is secured centrally of the front plate 26 in the attachmentframe. The hinge plates 77, 77b, 79b and 79 are curved at the forwardend thereof to where they extend vertically down to the torque tube 36to which it is welded. Vertical support is given to the hinge plates bygusset plates 82, 82b which are welded thereto and extend from thesupport bar upwardly to a region adjacent the turniing pin 76. Spacerplates 83, 83b space plates 77 and 79 and plates 77b, 79b, respectivelyto receive hinge plates 78, 78b. 7

The turning moment for causing the positioning of the anchor frameassembly 35, the tamping cylinder 62, and the like is provided by ahydraulic cylinder 85 that is pivotally mounted on the attachment framemeans 12, the plunger of which is pivotally mounted to the anchor frameassembly on one side of the hinge-like joint 75. The pivotal mounting isarranged so that a sort of universal joint type action takes place,whereby changes in the vertical (in the plane of FIGURE 3) andhorizontal (in the plane of FIGURE 2) relationship or alignment betweenthe cylinder and tractor are allowed for without impeding the timingeffort. The horizontal alignment means is connected to the plunger 86which extends forwardly from the cylinder 85 and is pivotally secured bya vertical pin 88 between the vertically spacedapart pair of lugs 89.Cotter pins or the like are used at'the ends of the pin to secure thesame in place. The vertical alignment means is connected to the mountinglug 90 of the cylinder and is pivotally secured by horizontal pin 91between the horizontally spaced-apart pair of lugs 92. Flexiblehydraulic connections are provided whereby changes in horizontal andvertical alignment may occur without permanently distorting and damagingthe hydraulic lines connected to the cylinder.

Referring now to FIGURES l, 3 and 6 through 8, the vibrating means 63comprises a hydraulic motor 96 that drives two unbalanced rotatablymounted masses 98, 99 in a fashion such that they rotate synchronouslyin opposite directions, thereby to provide vertical (forces suflicientfor lifting the cylinder 62 out of contact from the earth while thecylinder is apparently supporting a portion of the tractor weight, andreturning the cylinder into ground-contacting postion with an additionalkinetic force derived from the rotating masses that is suflicient tocompact the earth. Hydraulic fluid is provided to the motor throughlines 101 and 102. The motor rotates a pulley 103 which drives a secondpulley 104 through a belt 106. The pulley 164 is keyed to one end of ashaft 168 upon which the rotating mass 99 is mounted. The shaft isjournaled in the plates comprising the housing for the masses, only onesuch plate being shown in FIGURE 6, for the sake of convenience. On theother end of shaft 108 is mounted a timinggear 112 that meshes with asecond timing gear 113 which is in turn mounted on the corresponding endof shaft 114 upon which the second rotating mass 98 is mounted. As analternative to using the timing gears 112, 113 enmeshed, it is alsopermissable to use a chain drive to connect. the two where centerspacing is too great to permit the use of a toothed gear drivingconnection. The gears are of the same diameters, whereby a one-to-oneratio of rotation is obtained. The timing mechanism 112, 113; the

rotating masses 98, 99; and most of the shafts 108, 114

are mounted inside the housing, i.e. between the two plates 110 definingthe front and back sides of the housing.

The rotating masses 98, 99 each comprise the same known weight rotatingat the same radius, whereby when both of them reach their top deadcenter, FIGURE 6, a lifting force sufiicient to lift the cylinder andany attached mechanism old the ground while supporting the front end ofthe tractor. Conversely, when the rotating masses reach bottom deadcenter, they drive the cylinder into the ground with a compacting force.The latter is shown in FIGURE 7. The weights rotate at the same speedand are, of course, eccentric to their respective centers of rotation.They rotate in opposite directions. The arrangement shown eliminatesside forces, and provides only vertical forces. The vibrating means 63,just described, is mounted centrally of the cylinder support means cap69 ona platform 115. The latter can be welded to the cap in a centralposition. The vibrating means 63 is not novel per se, self comprise aportion of the invention, except insofar as it is a part of thecombination of elements involved in the invention. The mechanism of thevibrating means is shown in various prior art references, one of whichis United States Hamilton on May 31, 1960.

The roller or cylinder 62 ing and is constructed with a hollowcylindrical shell that is made as light as possible to reduce inertiaforces in the course of vibrating. Circular end plates 162, 163 arewelded to respective ends of the shell, thereby to close the ends. Aplurality of circular intermediate supporting plates 165 (three beingshown in FIGURE 2) are disposed along the 7 end plates. A shaft 166extends centrally through all of the plates and past the end plates oneach side to engage the bearings 67. The shaft is of one-piececonstruction, welded to the respective plates 162, 165, and 143. A

central hole is provided in each of the plateswhereby the and does not,in and of ita Patent 2,938,438, issued to William comprises a means fortamplongitudinal axis of the cylinder between the the rear-drive shaft6. Selective control is obtained by engaging and disengaging a clutch.This embodiment isv constructed to take advantage of a rear-shaft.clutch 121 which is provided with some types of tractors and other primemovers. In the present embodiment with the clutch 121 engaged, a pump122 is driven from the shaft 6 by means-of a pair of gears 124,125,'wh1ch are mounted respectively on the pump drive shaft and on theshaft fi. The pump 122 is preferably a gear-type pump. Hydraulic fiuidissupplied from a reservoir 12% through aline'127to the inlet of the pumpwhich, after pressurizing the fluid, directs it through a discharge line101 to thehydraulic motor 96. After the fluid gives up its energy tothe'motor, means, it leaves the discharge port of the motor and 1sdirected back to the reservoir through return line 162;.

A feature of the system of FIGURE 9 is that the pump is onlyoperatedwhen it is desired to vibrate the roller 62. At other times the pump isnot operated. In contrast, FIGURE 10 features a continuously operatingpump and a means for returning to the rcservoirthe fluid dischargedbythe pump during those times that it is not desired to vibrate theroller. Both systems thus provide means for selectively operatingthemotor 96, hence for selectively operating thevibrating means.

The preferred means for FIGURE 10 1s a three-way valve 130. The systemof FIGURE 10 is arranged for incorporation into those tractors and primemotors which do ,not have a clutch'on the rear-drive shaft, or which donot have a rear-drive shaft at all. In this fashion, the continuouslyrunning pump can be directly driven by any suitable means, as gears,chain-and sprocket, or belts and pulleys, from the engine that operatesthe prime mover, and selective operatlon of the motor 96 is attained byappropriate manipulation of the three-way valve.

Other structural features of FIGURE 10 are generally similar to those ofFIGURE 9, similar reference numerals being used where .appropriate. Thepump discharge thereby driving the vibrating conduit 128a connects totheinlet of the three-way valve 139, the two outlet conduits from thevalve being line 101 to connect to the inlet of the motor and 129.;which is a portion of the return to the reservoir. The motor dischargeline 102 connects to 12%, forming the conduit 1290 which directs thefluid from either condmt back into the reservoir.

FIGURE 8 schematically represents the steering system and features ahydraulic control valve 85 having suitable linkage that connects it tothe steering column 134 as well as the hydraulic system for connectingthe control valve to the steering cylinder 85. As with the systems ofFIGURES 9 and 10, all the hydraulic lines are .of suitable, flexiblematerial. Where possible, the steering system is designed to utilize thehydraulic pump which is part of many tractors and prime movers which aredesigned for towing and/or operating other construction equipment suchas scrapers, towed vibrators, and the like. Such pumps are continuouslyrunning, that is, they operate as long as the prime mover engineis 8 r Areservoir return line 143 connects the discharge port of the controlvalve to the reservoir 120.

The control valve has a reciprocating plunger which is connected to hellcrank 144 which is in turn pivotally connected to some point on theframe of the tractor. The connection is of the pin-in-slot type or othersuitable means whereby differences in pivoting radius and pivotto-pivot,distance are accommodated. The other arm of the bell crank is pivotallyconnected to one end of rod 142 which is pivotally connected at itsopposite end to an arm 145 wlr'ch is welded or otherwise secured to aflexible U-shaped steering column bracket 146. The bracket 146 isresiliently secured on the steering column 134 by the clamping actionbrought about by drawing up extremely tight the nuts 147, 148 whichthreadedly engage the securing bolts 149, 150 which pass through holesin the opposed legs of the bracket. The construction of bracket 146 issuch that by loosening the nuts, the bracket is disengaged from thesteering column and thus the vibratory compactor of the presentinvention can be readily disconnected from the tractor steering systemwhen it is desired to remove the compactor from the. tractor. As shouldnow be evident, the steering column 134 is connected to the steeringwheel 10. It is to be realized that other suitable linkages can beemployed;

the linkage used, in any, event, ought to be compatible with theexisting tractor steering system and with the vibratory compactor.

In operation, the tractor is driven in a fashion generally similar tonormal operation. The wheels 8 drivingly engage the ground and advancethe entire apparatus as best seen in FIGURE 1 over the ground with thecylinder 62 preceding the tractor 3. The pump 136 commences to operateand pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided at the outlet thereof. -Whendriving in a straight line, the hydraulic fluid passes through the valve132 and returns to the reservoir 120, the pump operating continuously.When it is desired to turn, the operator rotates the wheel 10in theproper direction whereupon the valve 132 responds by directing the fluidinto the appropriate end of the hydraulic cylinder 85. This eitherpushes the plunger 86 out or retracts it, whereupon the anchor frameassembly turns about the turning pin 76 and the combination 1 operating,and are usually gear pumps. In the present embodiment, the continuouslyrunning gear pump 136 J draws hydraulic fluid from reservoir through aconduit 137. A strainer 138 is disposed in line 137.. The gear pumpdischarges the pressurized hydraulic fluid through conduit 139 to thesteering control valve 132. The latter is of a type called a spool valvebecause of the spool-- like configuration presented by its plunger. Suchvalves are commercially available from a wide number of sources.

The gear pump 136 discharges into a conduit 139 that is connected to theinlet of the control valve 132. 'The control valve has two directionalcontrol lines 14tl'and 141 which are connected to respectively oppositesides of the piston within the hydraulic cylinder assembly 85.

then follows in the course designated by the operator. When it isdesired to operate the vibrating means, then the clutch 121 (FIGURE 1)is engaged or valve of FIGURE 10 is opened, thereby directing hydraulicfluid to the inlet of hydraulic motor 96, whereupon the eccentricallymounted rotating masses 98, 99 rotate and produce vibration in avertical direction in such a fashion that the tractor continues to besupported at the front end although the supporting means is movingrelative to the ground at a cyclic harmonic rate. When it is desired toremove the compactor from the tractor, the frame bolts 18, 19 areremoved, the front wheels of the tractor replaced, bracket bolts 147,148 loosened. The hydraulic lines are, of-course, disconnected whennecessary in order to complete the removal of the front end tampingattachment.

In review, it is seenthat the attachment for a prime mover includes acylindrical ground-contacting member for tarnping and for supporting aportion of the weight of the tractor. A frame means is provided forsupporting said cylindrical member to rollably contact the ground andfor steeringly connecting the same to the prime mover While transmittinga portion of the weight of the prime mover weight to the cylindricalmember.

assemblies 44 and 45. Mounted on such frame means, and preferablymounted--as shown-on the cylinder support means, is a means forvibrating the cylindrical member which exerts on the system a forcesufiicient to cause the cylinder-t lift out of contact with the earthwhile the cylinder is supporting a portion of the prime mover weight,all in such fashion that the prime mover is maintained in a supportedposition. The means for vibrating also is selectively controllable,whereby it can be turned on and 01f, e.g., valve 128, when open causesvibration and when closed no vibration of the cylinder takes place.Additionally, appropriate means are connected between the prime moverand the cylinder for selectively positioning the cylinder relative tothe prime mover, thereby to steer the entire assembly of prime mover andvibratory compacting apparatus. The coaction between the steering meansand portions of the frame means is such that the cylinder is restrainedto move in a predetermined path responsive to positioning signals. Thehingelike joint 75, inter alia, connects the anchor frame to theattachment frame assembly and operates to restrain the relative motiontherebetween in a substantially horizontal arc while at the same timetransmitting a portion of the Where required in the hydraulic system, itis preferred to use flexible hydraulic lines whereby turning andvibration will not cause permanent distortion or fracturing of thelines.

It is thus seen that the invention comprises several different aspects.One of these is a combination with a prime mover such as a tractor, of afront end mounted vibratory compactor. Another one of these is avibratory compactor that is so built that it comprises an attachment forthe front end of a prime mover such as a tractor. Another feature isthat the vibratory compactor can be used both as a means for supportingthe weight of the front end of the prime mover and also as a means forcompacting and steering, all at the same time.

Another feature is a combination with a prime mover of a vibratorycompactor which is so connected to the prime mover that it supports aportion of the weight thereof during both normal movement of thecombination and during the time when compaction is to take place throughvibrating one of the compactor elements.

While a leaf spring has been shown as the example of providing theyieldable suspension for the rolling cylinder, it will be appreciatedthat coil springs and torsion springs, so proportioned and selected tofurnish the equivalent results are within the contemplation of theinvention. Also, while a rear end power takeoff has been disclosed, thehydraulic fiuid pressurizing source is not limited thereto. For example,a front end power takeoff could be used for driving the hydraulic pumpor other wise furnishing power to steer and/ or vibrate the variousportions of the invention. It is also to be understood that othervariations in the mechanisms and means for accomplishing the respectivefunctions are possible, For example, mechanical linkages could beemployed for steering.

While the invention has been disclosed with reference to a specificembodiment, it is to be recognized that various alternativeconstructions obvious to those skilled in the art are included withinthe spirit of the invention.

While particular probable theories of operation have been presented(e.g., FIGURES 5-7), to facilitate the description of the presentembodiment, it is not intended that the invention be limited toconstructions operating in accordance with such theories, but that theinvention include all constructions as fall within the spirit of theinvention.

I claim:

1. The combination comprising a prime mover having driving means fordrivingly engaging the earth, and apparatus for supporting a portion ofthe prime mover weight while vibratorily compacting earth, suchapparatus further comprising a cylinder for rollably contacting theearth,

selectively controllable vibrating means for vibrating said cylinderinto andout of contact with the earth,

a support connecting said vibrating means to said cyl inder, and

a frame connecting said support .to said prime mover for restrainingsaid cylinder to vibratorily compact and to rollably engage the earthwhile the combination advances thereover responsive to said drivingmeans and while supporting at least 'a portion of the prime moverweight;

said frame including an anchor frame assembly resiliently connected tosaid support and connected to said prime mover about a vertical pivot,steering means connected between said prime mover and said anchor frameassembly for selectively positioning said cylinder about said pivot tomove in a predetermined path,

said selectively controllable vibrating means exerting a force, causingsaid cylinder to lift from a position where it supports a portion ofprime mover weight, to thereby maintain said combination in a supportedposition while said cylinder is out of contact with the earth.

2. The combination with a prime mover having front and rear wheels andwherein said front wheels are removed,

of a front end combination vibratory compactor and steering means,comprising,

a ground-contacting cylinder,

first means resiliently supporting said cylinder to rollably contact theground,

vibrating means supported on said first means for vibrating saidcylinder, said first means having a portion extending across the frontof said prime mover,

vertically positioned pivot means connected to the midpoint of saidportion and to the midpoint of the front end of said prime mover wherebysaid cylinder may be steered by turning said cylinder relative to saidprime mover;

steering means for controllably and selectively positioning saidcylinder relative to said prime mover about said pivot; said steeringmeans'including a force applying means having one end connected to saidprime mover and the other end to said support means at a point spacedfrom the midpoint of said portion,

and control means for selectively operating said vibrating means in anyposition of the roller,

the whole in such combination that steering and vibratory compacting areaccomplished while supporting 'a portion of the Weight of said primemover.

3. The combination according to claim 2 wherein said resilient supportmeans includes a pair ofleaf springs operatively connected to each endof said cylinder to thereby isolate the vibrations of said cylindersfrom said prime mover.

4. For use as an attachment to the front end of a prime mover havingdrive wheels at the back end thereof, the combination comprising ahollow cylinder for contacting the ground; an anchor frame assemblyincluding first and second leaf springs extending respectively from endsof said anchor frame assembly to corresponding ends of said cylinder;support means connected between each of said leaf springs and thecorresponding ends of said cylinder for rotatably supporting saidcylinder from said leaf springs in ground-contacting position; vibratingmeans connected to said support means to cyclically move said cylinderrelative to said prime mover by flexing said springs, thereby to movethe cylinder into and out of contact with the ground; an attachmentframe assembly for attachment to the front end of a prime mover; and ahinge-like joint means connected between said anchor frame andattachment frame assemblies for restraining 7 5 relative motiontherebe'tween in a horizontal arc and for transmitting part of theweight of the prime mover to i said cylinder; the whole in suchcombination when connectedflto a prime mover that said cylinder advancesahead of a prime mover, supports a portion of the weight thereof, andvibrates responsive to said vibrating means.

5. A combination according to claim 4 and further including steeringmeans connected between said anchor frame assembly and said attachmentframe assembly for selectively rotating said cylinder to a preselectedposition 718,870 1/03 Packer; 94-50 Sloan 94-48 Venable 9448 Wills 9450Marshall 7 945O McRae 94-48 Wills et al. 9450 Berrange Q. 94-50 X Baker94 49 Kindler 94-48 X Leister 94-50 JACOB L. NACKENOFF, PrimaryExaminer.

1. THE COMBINATION COMPRISING A PRIME MOVER HAVING DRIVING MEANS FORDRIVINGLY ENGAGING THE EARTH, AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A PORTION OFTHE PRIME MOVER WEIGHT WHILE VIBRATORILY COMPACTING EARTH, SUCHAPPARATUS FURTHER COMPRISING A CYLINDER FOR ROLLABLY CCONTACTING THEEARTH, SELECTIVELY CONTROLLABLE VIBRATING MEANS FOR VIBRATING SAIDCYLINDER INTO AND OUT OF CONTACT WITH THE EARTH, A SUPPORT CONNECTINGSAID VIBRATING MEANS TO SAID CYLINDER, AND A FRAME CONNECTING SAIDSUPPORT TO SAID PRIME MOVER FOR RESTRAINIG SAID CYLINDER TO VIBRATORILYCOMPACT AND TO ROLLABLY ENGAGE THE EARTH WHILE THE COMBINATION ADVANCESTHEREOVER RESPONSIVE TO SAID DRIVING MEANS AND WHILE SUPPORTING AT LEASTA PORTION OF THE PRIME MOVER WEIGHT; SAID FRAME INCLUDING AN ANCHORFRAME ASSEMBLY RESILIENTLY CONNECTED TO SAID SUPPORT AND CONNECTED TOSAID PRIME MOVER ABOUT A VERTICAL PIVOT, STEERING MEANS CONNECTEDBETWEEN SAID PRIME MOVER AND SAID ANCHOR FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR SELECTIVELYPOSITIONING SAID CYLINDER ABOUT SAID PIVOT TO MOVE IN A PREDETERMINEDPATH, SAID SELECTIVELY CONTROLLABLE VIBRATING MEANS EXERTING A FORCE,CAUSING SAID CYLINDER TO LIFT FROM A POSITION WHERE IT SUPPORTS APORTION OF PRIME MOVER WEIGHT, TO THEREBY MAINTAIN SAID COMBINATION IN ASUPPORTED POSITION WHILE SAID CYLINDER IS OUT OF CONTACT WITH THE EARTH.